Adwa is a city in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, not far south of the border with Eritrea. The small village of Yeha is in the same area and its ancient temple is a bigger drawcard than anything in Adwa.

The invading Italian Army was defeated by Ethiopian defenders at the Battle of Adwa in 1896. The Italians returned under Mussolini in 1936 and managed to defeat the Ethiopian Army, in the process killing numerous civilians while sustaining heavy losses. Five years later, the Italians were kicked out of the country for good.

14.285739.0194Great Temple. A pre-Christian and pre-Aksumite temple dating back at least 2500 years. Undergoing restoration. There is also a small museum containing pre-Christian artefacts and Christian manuscripts, crosses, paintings etc.100 birr.

14.28639.0195Church of Abba Afse (or Abuna Aftse) (next to the temple). According to tradition, Abba Aftse, one of the Nine Saints of the 5th century, founded a monastery here. Outside, you can see boys reciting passages in Ge'ez, the ancient scriptural language of Ethiopia, as part of their church education.